SIR - I was disappointed but not surprised by your report that Kidderminster Hospital's minor injuries unit, strengthened by the presence of a doctor from 9am until 5pm on weekdays only, is not being fully used (February 18). A trial of this enhanced service was originally mooted to cover 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week for one year and to this end extremely generous financial support was offered by the hospital league of friends.
However, the trust was not prepared for this and settled for a trial that by design was almost bound to fail.
What is needed is an enhanced emergency service on the spot when GP surgeries are not open and to relieve the stretched out-of-hours GP service.
I must ask if the retired GP representing the Local Medical Committee, whose comment concludes your report, was giving the LMC's considered view or merely voicing his own opinion?
The latter would seem likely to me as it will be remembered he was part of the Worcestershire Health Authority at the time the infamous document Investing in Excellence was approved despite enormous resistance from the part of the country worst affected by it.
As is now well known this was the document that led to the Kidderminster effect' so respected in political circles.
DR RICHARD TAYLOR, MP.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article